December 9, 2011

Things were going well for the New York Rangers (15-6-4) until a second half surge by the Tampa Bay Lightning (12-14-2) led to a 3-2 shootout loss for the Blueshirts. The Blueshirts have now dropped two straight games (0-1-1) following a five game winning streak.

New York started the night on a great note, as captain Ryan Callahan (11) recorded a power play goal at the 7:49 mark of the first period of play. Tampa Bay struck back in the second period as Ryan Malone (6) tallied an unassisted goal at the 11:23 mark.

The Blueshirts answered back on a shorthanded goal by Artem Anisimov (5) at the 13:23 mark of the second period for the 2-1 lead. Dominic Moore (2) responded with a shorthanded goal of his own for the Lightning at the 18:03 mark of the third.

Moore played a vital part to the Lighting victory, recording the game-winner in the shootout period for Tampa Bay. The Rangers meanwhile are denied the opportunity from becoming the fifth NHL team to record 2,500 wins.

New York cager Henrik Lundqvist earned the second star of the game with his 29 saves, as the keeper also now holds a .935 save percentage.

The Rangers will look to record their milestone victory on the road, in a Saturday showdown against the Sabres. The game between New York and Buffalo is slated to air on the MSG network, with face-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m.